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What's the story?
According to a report by Sports Illustrated, The Immortal Hulk Hogan apparently demanded $750,000 for an appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 12 earlier this year when New Japan Pro Wrestling approached him.
In case you didn't know...
Although Hulk Hogan is known by the world as a WWE legend, Hogan has a history with New Japan Pro Wrestling, spending five years there. In fact, he was the IWGP Heavyweight Champion at one point, but his reign is not recognised because the lineage of the championship began four years later, starting with Antonio Inoki.
As we know, Hulk Hogan had been fired from WWE and seemingly erased from their history for a while, until some point in 2016 when they started slowly acknowledging him. It's now just a matter of "when" and not "if" he returns to WWE.
The heart of the matter
According to Sports Illustrated, Hulk Hogan was approached by NJPW for a Wrestle Kingdom 12 appearance. However, The Immortal One demanded $750,00
This naturally caused NJPW to withdraw their offer. Hulk Hogan has openly shown interest recently in joining the Bullet Club.The Wrestling Observer Newsletter criticised Hulk Hogan for asking absurdly high amounts of money than what people are willing to pay him. From the look of things, they weren't wrong.
What's next?
Hulk Hogan might still be in talks with NJPW for all we know, so don't be surprised if Hogan shows up at their show in the United States later this year.
Even a WWE return could end up being on the cards later at some point this year.
Author's take
As much of a legend as Hogan is, it is undoubtedly a very high asking price. The harsh truth is that he's just not as much in demand now. Hopefully, if Hogan does go to NJPW, it won't be for a TNA-like role.
That being said, NJPW would get some more eyes on the product if they were to rope in another WWE legend.
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